From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Mr. Royce's feedback on the steering, springing, and engine of the 14-EX car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 20\11\ Scan257 | |
| Date | 21th May 1928 | |
| To B.J. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} X180 Hsl/LG21.5.28. 14-EX CAR. X770 The chief features on this car Mr. Royce expressed satisfaction on were as follows :- (1) STEERING. We should like you to judge the steering as a normal car in the hands of our average customer who does not travel at high speeds over bad roads. There is a certain difference of opinion as regards the qualities of the steering between PN.{Mr Northey} and ourselves. We appreciate that it is possible to demonstrate certain disadvantages, on the other hand, for average work, we consider it is very light, free from road shocks, and easy to handle. (2) SPRINGING. The springing on this car we consider is good for average conditions but is not what we should recommend for a car which was expected to travel fast over bad roads. We should like to point out that this car has run 10,000 miles without the springs receiving attention. Usually on trials cars the springs are taken apart and greased. (3) ENGINE. When Mr. Royce had this car in France he ran with 5/1 compression ratio. We have since reduced this to 4½. This ratio we adopted for the sports car. We have left the high compression on this car because R.{Sir Henry Royce} expressed himself satisfied with it. As standard however we are only using 4½ to 1. | ||